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to his wife

Asks why his wife does not write more frequently so he does not need to be as worried for her safety. He writes that he was unable to get a leave of absence. He thought up an idea to ask the Secretary of War to station troops in Culpeper to serve as...

GLC06582.13

to his wife

Asks her if she liked the "old homestead of [his] ancestors." He informs her that he passed most of his childhood there and goes on to describe the beauty of the land. Advises her to get Tom to accompany her to Newman's Hill from which she "can see...

GLC06582.45

to his wife

Mentions that the end of the war will "require strict economy and management in all affairs." Predicts that after the war is over, money will be harder to get and taxes will be "mountain high." He warns wife to treat servants kindly but to not...

GLC06582.16

to his wife

Mentions that he is "quite well with the exception of the side pain" which he does not believe will ever go away. He provides a sketch of his "mode of life." He explains why he may not win the appointment ("unknown to the appointing power, don't...

GLC06582.48

to his wife

Asks whether she and his aunt have received the supplies he sent. Hopes to get two weeks leave soon so that he can visit. He contradicts rumors that the south will soon be conquered, writing that "our people can never be subdued, unless our leaders...

GLC06582.19

to his wife

Writes that although he was surprised he was also pleased to see John, who arrived last night. He thinks the best thing she can do right now is board with Mrs. Pannill because the board is cheaper. He also thinks that it will be the safest choice...

GLC06582.51

to his wife

Describes two battles two weeks in passing where 3,000 were killed, wounded, or missing. Furthermore, he describes the battle to be more destructive than all other previous battles in the war with the exception of Kernstown. He informs her of the...

GLC06582.22

to his wife

Writes that he knows nothing about his appointment. However, he predicts that he will not receive the appointment because the other applicants "are men of great influence." He is uncertain about entering the army because he does not have enough money...

GLC06582.54

to his wife

Asks if she is sick or in need of stamps. He asks her to write to him if she has not done so already. He would like her to record the progress of Liz and to report the effect the chicken pox had on Lizzie's "head piece." He describes the rising...

GLC06582.25

to his wife

Informs her that he received her letter and is very thankful. He also mentions that he bought her several hairpins "and any other little articles I think you may need." He tells her of his departure which will be between the 16th and 20th, and...

GLC06582.57

to his wife

Writes that the "roar of cannon & musketry was painfully audible and exceeded the thunder of the fiercest storm." He mentions that General Hill's division fought on his side where his troops drove the enemy three or four miles and captured three...

GLC06582.28

to his wife

Writes that John will bring this letter up to her as well as a package of things for the family. He mentions that Uncle Jack got to Richmond last night. Says that Hansborough will be at their house within the next week or so she is to remember what...

GLC06582.60

to his wife

Asks if she is safe, if there have been any arrests, and the whereabouts of Uncle Jack. He would like also to hear from Greenwood. Claims that the army has received great news from Arkansas & the Mississippi River. The news is that Yankee General...

GLC06582.31

to his wife

He writes that he spent the day with "C B****." He asks her to kiss the baby, encourage the servants, and to pray to God for his blessings. Explains that it would have been imprudent to mention names in his letters and thus give away valuable...

GLC06582.34

to his wife

Mentions missing travel connections and seeing Uncle Jack and William. He reported to Colonel Deas but because Deas might have to go the field George may have to find another office. He writes of plans following the departure of Deas. He says that he...

GLC06582.37

to his wife

Attributing alternating cold and warm weather as the cause, he writes that he is suffering from a slight touch of rheumatism. He mentions meeting Uncle Jack who looked frozen (from the cold) and John. He supposes they got home safely. He describes...

GLC06582.08

to his wife

He has been informed by Mr. Brown that Thom Lewis is dead and that Mrs. Shackleford is extremely low. Mr. Brown also informed George of the diseased conscripts that are to report to Camp Lee. He writes that he expects a "large congregation of...

GLC06582.40

to his wife

Describes the uncertainty of army movements. Advises his wife to take the next train to him if she fears anything. He complains that the Government maintains too much secrecy, and so exaggerates peoples' fears.

GLC06582.11

to his wife

Wants her to tell Cousin Ella that he is honest enough to pay his own debts. He discusses Jimmy, old accounts, and loans. Describes how grateful he was to be given an "untarnished last name." He writes that he is "always too sanguine." Comments on...

GLC06582.43

to his wife

Expects a telegraph from her. He describes uncomfortable conditions at a local tavern where he shared a room with three men and his bed with one of them. However, by the next day he was able to get a room that was vacated. He also says that he misses...

GLC06582.14

to his wife

Writes that the weather is somber with a "winter spirit." In addition to informing her that he has received a letter from Uncle Jack, he writes that he will try to send a dress for Lizzie and a handkerchief for Aunt Betsy (with prices marked on them...

GLC06582.46

to his wife

Heard cannon firing in the morning and suspects (but does not know for a fact) that it was a "scary sight" since it lasted for about four hours. Thinks "the enemy" wants to enter Richmond. Believes "Jeff" (Davis) and his cabinet are a "failure." He...

GLC06582.17

to his wife

Informs her that he received a two-day-old telegraphic dispatch as a reply to his letters from Jack. He thinks that his family must be in a "hurry & bustle" since the army headquarters are now stationed where they live. He asks who the various...

GLC06582.49

to his wife

Sends this letter by a Mr. Jones. He says that not an hour passes that he does not think of her. Asks about the baby and if she can say "father" or if instead she continues her "babbling" of "dad dad dad." He also mentions that she is old enough to...

GLC06582.20

to his wife

Informs her that Jack will go up in the morning and will bring with him a package of soap, candy, a dress for Liz, and this letter. He saw Dr. Rixey today and sent him $51 to be delivered to her. He got three handkerchiefs for Aunt Betsy at $1.50 a...

GLC06582.52

to his wife

He sent a pencil letter to his wife with Mr. Day including lemon syrup and castor oil. Writes that he will send his aunt soda powders. "Richmond is starving almost" due to the high selling prices and scarcity of goods. Asks her if she has noticed how...

GLC06582.23

to his wife

He still does not know about his application but hopes he will soon hear the results. He is unsure about when he will be home and for how long he will stay. Admits to not knowing what to write since he has not heard word from home. He writes "the...

GLC06582.55

to his wife

Comments on how her last letter seemed to be "under gloomy feeling." He says he has written to Sister several times and that she has only written once. Writes of Cousin Albert, Cousin James, and Cousin Narcissa. Comments that Narcissa is dissatisfied...

GLC06582.26

to his wife

Writes that the day before was one of the worse days of the season. He mentions that at approximately four o'clock the guard cried out that some prisoners were escaping. He writes that it was later discovered that three prisoners escaped and that one...

GLC06582.58

to his wife

Tells his wife she should not give way to the gloom she expressed in her letter, and reminds her that their condition is much better than that of others. Explains that he and she are both alive whereas many from the south such as Mr. Daniel and Capt...

GLC06582.29

to his wife

Since Uncle Jack will be going back up, George has decided to take advantage of the opportunity to write and send her this letter. He mentions that he has not heard from home since Jack left but expects that she has written to him. He writes that he...

GLC06582.61

Collection of Confederate soldier George Morton Williams] [Decimalized: .01-.62]

Includes 56 complete and 3 incomplete letters written to his wife. Williams was a captain in the 9th Virginia, Hansbrough's Battalion. Discusses family matters, and important military information including the surrender of Fort Donelson, and the...

GLC06582

to his wife

Reports that "every day brings the most distressing rumors from Culpeper". Most unfortunate, he confides, is that the rumors are in accordance with General Pope's orders so that he believes they may be true. As a result, he fears for his wife and...

GLC06582.32

to Clayton

Writes that he is suffering from occasional headaches, neuralgia, and a sharp pain in his side. He mentions that he "would give much" to hear from family and even more to see them. He tells her that if possible she should "secure all [his] traps and...

GLC06582.35

to his wife

Writes that he will be home the following week if he is still feeling ill. He tells her to ask Uncle Jack to tell Tom Rixey that the ad failed to reach either the Whig or the Enquirer. He mentions not being able to find a soldier to serve as his...

GLC06582.38

to his wife

He describes the irregularity and unreliability of mail. He writes that he has bought four yards of red flannel, eight dozen hair pins, paper, large-sized soap but that he has not yet been able to find a knitting cloth. He will send what he purchased...

GLC06582.09

to his wife

Hopes that the war ends soon. Asks her to tell Uncle Jack that three of his pieces have been published. Encloses copies of Lee's and Johnson's proclamations to the people of Maryland, and praises Lee's leadership: "Did any General ever give greater...

GLC06582.41

to his wife

Says he is confident that in times like these she will not let a week go by without writing to him. He regrets not sending for her by writing, "Procrastination ruins more plans than anything else." He mentions wanting to see her "very much." He...

GLC06582.12

to his wife

Writes that he is staying with Cousin James for a fee of ten dollars a month and that he is suffering from a sore throat. He still has the pain in his side, which he hopes does not augur anything fatal. Informs her that he is "applying for the...

GLC06582.44

to his wife

Writes that the city was thrown into "great commotion" by an announcement that the Yankees were eight miles away with gunboats despite the obstructions placed since Norfolk. He was given permission by Colonel Deas to go and stay for as long as he...

GLC06582.15

to his wife

Reasons that she may not be letter writing as much because she is staying at a "frontier place" where communication can be "occasional & uncertain." He informs her that Col. Taylor has heard from Col. Deas that George should have no trouble receiving...

GLC06582.47

to his wife

Writes a reply to her two letters, to be sent by Uncle Merton. Agrees that his letters have been unfortunate because very few have made it through the mails. He mentions that Uncle Merton has been to Richmond to see Bruce who is stationed three miles...

GLC06582.18

to his wife

He received her letter, detailing her flight from home. He also learned by reading someone else's letter that she and his aunt are going to go to "Halifax to Mr. Bruce's," but reasons that Cousin Ella must have been mistaken because she has not...

GLC06582.50

to his wife

Writes that the current "state of things" leads him to worry. Mentions that Tom Jones may not be able to go out because he may be part of the reinforcements for Jackson in the valley. Claims that 5,000 men were to leave this morning and that no...

GLC06582.21

to his wife

Informs her that John left that morning for Soldier's Rest. He mentions sending fifty dollars with Dr. Rixey and says that he will send fifty more dollars when he gets paid. He writes that he has heard nothing more about his application. Additionally...

GLC06582.53

to his wife

He has received letters from her every day for the past several days. The news is dull, but he has seen General Price, who looks too benevolent to be a warrior. Price's troops have not yet arrived. Plans on going home to see her "as soon as the...

GLC06582.24

to his wife

He is worried because his wife has not written. Thus he thinks she is sick or has been offended by his letters, and so asks her to write back. He informs her of the Yankees' position. He tells her "they have evacuated Manassas, Warrenton & all the...

GLC06582.56

to his wife

Writes that he will get the cotton and send it at along with another item she requested at "first safe opportunity." Does not think Mr. Jameson has come to the city yet. The weather has been "excessively hot." He writes that "the city is dull" except...

GLC06582.27

to his wife

Enjoyed reading the letters she sent him by Bob Daniel despite the fact that they were weeks old. He also mentions receiving a letter written by her the same day but delivered by John Gibson. He asks her to tell John that the 16,000 Yankees are in...

GLC06582.59

to his wife

Complains about the heat, he has "never known it to be warmer. . ." Writes that he has left all that is dear to him. Although he is exhausted, upon hearing that Maj. Parks would deliver this letter he was determined to write. Informs her that...

GLC06582.30

to his wife

He writes that Uncle Jack has yet to be awarded a contract and that the Secretary of War has yet to sign his commission as Quarter Master. He mentions his "horrid dream" about her last night that bothered him all day. He says that Nannie Pendleton...

GLC06582.62

to his wife

He writes that he is worried about family's safety especially since he has not heard from them. Thinks that General Pope's orders will jeopardize her safety. He informs her that the fifth division of the army is on the march for Jackson and if Pope's...

GLC06582.33

to his wife

Writes that he has not heard a word from home but worse yet he has not heard a rumor. Heard that Greenwood was stripped of everything except 5 barrels of corn and 300 pounds of bacon. He also heard of Parsons Cole being dragged from Church and...

GLC06582.36

to his wife

Written in the form of a poem. Discusses how thinking of his wife puts him in "good heart," and compares his heart to that of Newton, Milton or Shakespeare. He says that all must fight for country and cause, or submit to tyranny. He writes that he is...

GLC06582.07

to his wife

Feels he is a changed man since leaving home. He believes that faith in God is the foundation to domestic happiness and national prosperity. "Equality of rights can only be secured to man . . .by establishing the sovereignty of God." Wants her to get...

GLC06582.39

to his wife

He is distressed to hear that his wife is suffering from neuralgia. He had made plans for her to see him. He confirms rumor that army has fallen back at Manassas. He mentions plans to see Mr. Benjamin to ascertain whether the army will retreat as far...

GLC06582.10

to his wife

Writes about a "scheme" he has thought of that may allow him to leave the army without fear of conscription. His scheme involves making an arrangement with Mr. Short, the Sheriff of Culpeper, to be a deputy sheriff until his health is fully restored...

GLC06582.42

to George M. Williams

Receipt for stay at the Exchange Hotel in Richmond, Virginia.

GLC06582.01

to his wife

Informs his wife that he has arrived at his position in Richmond without many inconveniences, except a headache. He mentions that he has yet to see Taylor but expects to do so early the next morning. He goes on to explain how he misses home and how...

GLC06582.02

to his wife

Mentions that he has been introduced to Colonel Deas. He writes that the press is "so great" because of re-enlistments in the Army. Very much like "a boy at boarding school for the first time," he admits to being very lonely. He hopes that she is...

GLC06582.03

to his wife

He describes how he saluted to the (day) light in a prayer of gratitude for living to see another night and that his wife would be "watched tenderly" in his absence. He says he witnessed the impressive funeral of O.J. Wise, who was killed on Roanoke...

GLC06582.04

to his wife

He mentions that he was too tired the previous night and too busy the next morning (as at nine o'clock he had to report for duty) to be able to write her a letter. However he later writes that he has received her letter and that it serves as evidence...

GLC06582.05

to his wife

He writes that he has received her letter. He describes how he worked that day until twelve o'clock when an inauguration took place and the public office closed. He expects to be able to go home next Friday where he will "attend to some matters of...

GLC06582.06